I know! It's such a cute word for something nasty that has, like, pincers growing out of its ass.

Murphy Brown: What is it with us? Why can't we take the easy road once in awhile?
Avery Brown: Because it's boring and dishonest and uncomfortable, like wearing a pair of shoes all day that pinch your feet.

I'm blown away by the level of hatred people can muster toward someone who hasn't done them any harm whatsoever. It seems that just as we need our idols, we also need our pariahs, and if one isn't available, we'll pull one directly out of thin air.